Computational Mathematics

What Background Do I Need?

Although Computational Mathematics is an interdisciplinary program encompassing applied mathematics, statistics, and computer science, we do not expect applicants to have a background in all three of these disciplines. However, we do expect that students applying for the program will have already demonstrated proficiency in undergraduate majors-level STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) courses.

In particular, to be admitted to the program typically requires that you have completed coursework that is at least the equivalent of a minor, preferably a major, in at least one of the three Computational Mathematics disciplines of mathematics, statistics, or computer science. In addition, although not required for application, a well-prepared student will have taken some or all of the following classes, which are prerequisites for our core:

• Math core: Requires two semesters of a majors-level calculus sequence (e.g., MATH 115 and MATH 116)
• Statistics core: In addition to the calculus sequence required for math, requires a calculus-based probability and/or statistics course (e.g., MATH 301)
• Computer science core: Requires an introductory majors-level programming course in an object-oriented language such as Java or C++ (e.g., COSC 160)

Students who lack one or more of these courses (most students have not taken all of these) but are otherwise well qualified are generally admitted provisionally. Such students will be provided with suggestions for mastering the necessary prerequisite material prior to enrolling in the corresponding Computational Mathematics core courses. The provisional admission becomes regular admission once the prerequisite material has been mastered.

Beyond appropriate undergraduate coursework, we also like to see GRE quantitative scores in the top quartile.

These are only general guidelines, and we do take the entire application into consideration when making admission decisions. If you have questions about your qualifications, we invite you to contact us using the information in the sidebar to the left.

If you have, or expect to have soon, an appropriate background, you can apply for Computational Mathematics as either adegree-seeking student or as special status (non-degree-seeking) student. These types of applications are discussed separately below.

Degree-seeking Student

Most students apply to the Computational Mathematics program seeking to earn a Master of Science (M.S.) degree. If you are such a student, the required application materials are:

• An online application cover sheet the provides contact and certain other information
• Transcripts of prior academic work
• Three letters of recommendation, at least two of which should be from references who can comment meaningfully on your prior academic performance
• A personal statement of at most 500 words that explains why you are applying to the Computational Mathematics program and provides any other information you wish the admissions committee to have
• A resume or curriculum vitae
• GRE general exam scores (the Duquesne school code is 2196 and the department code is 0703).
• For international students, either TOEFL or IELTS scores (not required of students who successfully complete Duquesne\'s ESL program)

Visit the Graduate School of Liberal Arts application page for more application details and a link to the online application cover sheet. Note that our program does not require a writing sample, only a personal statement.